By James Buckley
Giants defender Kristiana Manu'a will miss the inaugural National Netball League after rupturing her Achilles tendon at training last week.
Manu'a will undergo surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation period, bringing a sour end to what had been a breakout year in 2016 where she had made her Australian Diamonds debut during the Quad Series in August.
Big blow: Kristiana Manu'a (left) will miss the entire National Netball League season.Credit: Getty
The Giants are yet to announce who will replace the 21-year-old in their 10-strong playing roster.
"First of all, we're just devastated for Kristiana, I've been her coach for three years now and I truly believe she's in the best form of her career," Giants coach Julie Fitzgerald said.
"Kristiana is a terrific young woman. She's obviously hurting at the moment as she was really excited about the prospect of stepping on court for Giants Netball in our debut season.
"That said she will continue to be a vital component of this team and we look forward to seeing her back to full strength in 2018."